Integration of a Road Surface Model into NWS Operations

摘要

Snowy, slushy, and icy roads are responsible for more than 580,000 vehicle crashes, 180,000 injuries, and 2,100 fatalities each year in the United States. The expenses associated with maintaining passable roads during wintry weather are enormous: state and local agencies spend $2.3 billion annually on snow and ice control. Furthermore, these mitigating actions can be rendered insufficient by a number of factors (e.g., an inaccurate forecast), resulting in economic losses as traffic is slowed.